BMW iX lineup to upstage Tesla in luxury EV market
The BMW iX / Courtesy of BMW Korea
BMW iX pre-orders exceed 2,000, beating out Tesla in luxury EV market
By Kim Hyun-bin
BMW Korea has launched its flagship EV, the model iX, which gained massive attention even before its release. The model's popularity is shown in its pre-orders, exceeding 2,000 purchases, which the company says amount to a “jackpot” in sales.
The new iX3 was sold out online within an hour, and the pure electric four-door coupe, the i4, is also receiving a lot of attention, as the number of pre-orders exceeded 2,200.
BMW Korea, which has showcased a lineup of fully electric vehicles, has also been investing intensively in the after-sales service area, related to electrified models, expecting an explosive increase in the domestic pure EV market share.
The BMW Group's state-of-the-art technology is integrated into the iX. The model maintains the brand's unique sports DNA and is equipped with instantaneous acceleration, dynamism and quietness ― all features unique to EVs.
The difference comes in the interior of the iX, where it best displays the luxurious feel reminiscent of a premium lounge.
The panoramic glass roof, equipped with an electrochromic shading function, offers a feeling of openness while providing more headroom to all passengers, giving the model an overall spacious feel.
On the dashboard, a BMW curved display ― consisting of a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch control display ― can first be noticed, along with a hexagonal steering wheel, which was used for the first time by BMW Group, further creating a futuristic atmosphere. To maximize the sense of luxury, the iDrive controller, volume control dial, gear selector, seat operation and memory buttons are made of crystal.
In addition, the iX boasts sound capabilities with a total of 30 speakers that support 3D and immersive sound, as well as 4D audio, with a top-of-the-line Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System. Convenience features, such as the massage function and four-zone air conditioning, come standard.
The iX is also fitted-out with eco-friendly materials.
The center console uses timber certified by the international Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and for the seats, the leather is tanned via a vegetable tanning method made from olive leaves, instead of the usual chrome tanning method.
The iX combines BMW's model-specific driving pleasure with the quiet and luxurious sense that comes from EVs. It is equipped with BMW's latest electrified drivetrain, the fifth-generation eDrive, delivering maximum torque as soon as the accelerator pedal is pushed.
With this function, the iX xDrive50 has a maximum output of 523 horsepower and an accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The iX xDrive40 has 326 horsepower and goes from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The BMW IconicSounds Electric, the sound design system developed jointly with world-famous composer Hans Zimmer, is applied as standard. The travel range on a single charge is 447 km for the iX xDrive50 and 313 km for the iX xDrive40.
The body of the iX boasts a cutting-edge design that combines the first aluminum space frame structure in its class with a body shell made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), high-performance thermoplastic resin, high-strength steel and aluminum.
“All electrified models, such as BMW's fully electric models, the iX and iX3, which have been released, and the i4, which is scheduled to be released next year, are gaining in popularity among consumers, so we are doing our best to make sure that the maximum number will be shipped here in a timely fashion,” a BMW Korea official said. “In particular, we expect that the iX, which includes advanced technologies, will establish itself as a new standard in the premium luxury EV market.”